(WSHS #4 Kelsey Lenzie, winner of the game’s Sportsmanship Award)

FIRST REPORT, 7:25 PM: The West Seattle High School girls are on to the state basketball tournament after they just took a heartstopper regional win over Meadowdale, 41-40. Though the Wildcats controlled the game in the first half, the second half was a tougher slog and they didn’t regain the lead until late. Their next game will be at the Tacoma Dome, 2 pm Wednesday (February 27th) vs. the winner of tomorrow’s Arlington/Prairie game. Photos and details of tonight’s win, coming up.

P.S. The boys’ regional game vs. Eastside Catholic has a new time – 8 pm Saturday (at Issaquah HS).

(#32 Meghan Fiso, who had a 6-point game)

ADDED EARLY SATURDAY: Here’s how the Wildcats won:

In two vital categories – rebounds and defense – they shone. In shooting, not so much. So many shots missed the mark. Meadowdale wasn’t having a particularly on-the-mark night, either, until the run that almost won the game.

But back to the beginning. WSHS’s top scorer, #20 Grace Sarver (16 points), put the Wildcats on the board a minute and a half in, on an assist from #11 Jasmine Gayles (7 points).

The second WSHS basket was Sarver’s, too. And the third, after she netted two foul shots. It was Sarver 8, Meadowdale 1, before another Wildcat finally scored, #4 Kelsey Lenzie, with the game’s first three-pointer, in the first quarter’s last quarter-minute.

(#34 Anissa Babitu)

West Seattle went into the second quarter ahead 11-1, and their intensity gave them the edge.
They hustled to take the ball away from the Mavericks every chance they got.

(#21 Julianna Horne)

They widened the lead to 12 points twice and ended the half up 20-10.

In the second half, Meadowdale woke up and went on a tear. Three 3-pointers in four minutes helped them battle to a tie. WSHS suddenly looked hesitant, and their shooting was still cold. The Meadowdale fans, loud throughout the game, roared. The Mavericks took the lead, 26-24, at 1:23 to go in the third quarter. They were still up two points when the quarter ended, 28-26.

Now it was go time for head coach Darnell Taylor and team – go get the win or go home. This was a “loser out” game, winner to state, where the girls took third place last year. Would the Wildcats – with a majority of the starters graduating this year – get one more trip?

It looked in doubt for a while. Meadowdale held the lead. Even if West Seattle got a basket, the Mavericks would answer. And at 3:10, they were up by five points. They could have pulled away.

But the Wildcats didn’t let them.

Lenzie (10 points on the night) got a three at 2:40 and erased three-fifths of the Meadowdale lead. One more basket and they were tied. Then two foul shots put Meadowdale on top again. Gayles restored the tie with a basket.

They were still tied with :30 to go – then she went to the line and sunk one of two foul shots, and that’s how it ended, 41-40, with jubilation and relief.

Now they wait to see who they’ll play in round one at state.

ADDED 4:09 PM SATURDAY: Their Wednesday opponent will be Arlington, which lost this afternoon to top-seeded Prairie.